Pistons vs. Lakers NBA expert prediction and odds for Tuesday, Feb. 13 (Can Detroit c

The Detroit Pistons are slowly climbing out of the basement in the NBA, sitting just one win behind the Washington Wizards heading into Tuesday’s night’s clash with the Los Angeles Lakers. 

The Lakers have won four of their last five games, moving back over .500 on the season in the process. With LeBron James and Anthony Davis both healthy, the Lakers appear to be poised to make another late-season run, but will that start with a win and cover against Detroit?

The Pistons have been extremely frisky as of late, covering in six of their last seven games, including as massive underdogs against the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday. Detroit is 3-4 straight up in that stretch – by far the team’s best stretch of the 2023-24 season. 

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Let’s dive into the odds, key players and injury reports for Tuesday’s game to help us place a best bet: 

Pistons injury report

Lakers injury report

Detroit Pistons

Jalen Duren: The former first-round pick is becoming one of the best young big men in the NBA, averaging 14.3 points and 12.2 rebounds per game this season. In February, Duren has gone insane, averaging 16.6 points and 14.6 rebounds per game while shooting 64.7 percent from the field. He’s going to be a handful for Anthony Davis to deal with down low. 

Los Angeles Lakers

LeBron James: We’re witnessing a terrific 12-game stretch for James, who’s scored at least 20 points in each contest, averaging 25.2 points, 7.7 rebounds and 8.3 assists per game over that stretch. The four-time champion has the Lakers back over .500, and he may find that extra gear he’s always had with the playoffs fast approaching. 

The Pistons are the team to bet on in this spot with oddsmakers once again setting them as double-digit underdogs. 

Detroit is 14-11 ATS as a road dog this season, covering in eight straight games as a double-digit underdog. That’s an insanely impressive stretch for a team that lost 28 straight games earlier this season. 

The Lakers have been a much better team at home than on the road, but they are just 9-10 ATS as home favorites. With the team down several rotation pieces (Vanderbilt, Christie, Reddish, Vincent) could it struggle to cover against Detroit?

The Pistons have a new look after the trade deadline, but it’s allowed Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren to thrive. 

This young team may be able to keep things close against LeBron and co. 

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

Find Peter Dewey's NBA betting record here (futures included). You can also follow my daily plays on BetStamp here.